With the A330-200F now in service with major operators around the world, this modern mid-sized freighter is flying a wide variety of freight – including such unique loads as live baby whales – to destinations on all continents.

Picard noted the in-service success of this latest-generation freighter aircraft is validated by its more than 99.6 per cent overall reliability rate, with some operators flying individual aircraft more than 400 hours per month – which equates to nearly 14 hours per day.

The freighter has hauled an impressive lineup of cargo – ranging from standard industry pallets to high-value consumer goods, large equipment, perishable items, and even live animals. Picard highlighted A330-200F missions where the aircraft has carried white whales and walruses for Turkish Cargo, horses for Etihad Cargo and perishable flowers and food for Tampa Cargo.

The mid-sized Airbus freighter shares more than 95-per cent commonality with other versions in A330 Family, and Picard said most A330-200F operators are taking advantage of this by using their pool of pilots to fly both the passenger and freighter versions. For a pilot already qualified on the passenger variant, only computer-based training is required in transitioning to the all-cargo version.

In service since 2010, the A330-200F has the capability of carrying a 70-ton payload up to 4,000 nm, while efficiently serving long-haul and regional cargo missions around the world.